Swiss firm Emmi acquires cheese companies Cowgirl Creamery and Tomales Bay Foods

Switzerland-based Emmi has bought US-based artisan cheese companies Cowgirl Creamery and Tomales Bay Foods for an undisclosed amount.

A part of Emmi’s strategic international growth plan, the acquisition will enhance its position in the US organic cow cheese produce market.

Overseas market revenue represent 44% of Emmi’s profits, with a third generated through exports from Switzerland. The remainder comes from markets where Emmi’s subsidiaries operate.

Emmi Group CEO Urs Riedener said: "Tomales Bay Foods and Cowgirl Creamery are an excellent addition to our portfolio of sustainably produced premium speciality cheeses in the US.

"Together with Cypress Grove Chevre and Redwood Hill, the two companies will form a powerful network for extraordinary dairy products in California."

North America is a core area for Emmi’s growth plan.

Its North American subsidiaries and holdings include Emmi Roth USA, Cypress Grove Chevre, Emmi USA, Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, Icelandic Milk and Skyr Corporation, and the cheese business of J L Freeman.

By the end of this month, Emmi intends to take full control of Tomales Bay Foods and the Cowgirl Creamery.

These two firms will continue to operate as separate entities.

Tomales Bay Foods and the Cowgirl Creamery Corporation were set up in 1997 by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith in California.